IMPACT. THAT‘S WHAT MATTERS.

HERE’S HOW ATTENDEES OF THE GEN NOW RETREAT DESCRIBE HOW THEY HAVE HAVE CHANGED FROM THE EXPERIENCE

Testimonials

I feel reinvigorated to take my life and career to the next level. Having my goals organized and a plan to execute has never felt so achievable.

This weekend has changed my life… It made me realize I want more for my career and I need to really think about that and create a plan.”

After leaving the retreat, I started using and sharing the tools and takeaways with my team at work.

The Gen Now Retreat has made me feel more confident in my abilities, ready to make changes in my career, and begin the creation of a network of professionals that I can grow with.”

I’ve already put advice into action…I want to become more involved in the community, and meeting people who are doing that is helpful in taking that first step. Learning actionable and tangible steps to better leadership will forever be useful.”

I felt inspired to go on with my everyday activities with confidence, and to be ready to take on the world. It felt great to get a boost from the retreat.

It gave life-long connections and support system. I am in a stage where I have no concrete answers to many questions. The Gen Now Retreat reminded me to appreciate and be in the moment instead thinking about all the what ifs.

You taught an old dog some new tricks =) 1) I finally launched a LinkedIn page! (it still has a long way to go, but at least it is started.) 2) I got reinvigorated about reading effective management research, rather than just focusing on research specific to my field. 3) I gained insight to help me better understanding my millennial staff.

It has made me more aware of how to network, the importance of networking, management, and professional conduct

I have made lasting friendships that will benefit my personal life and professional one. I connected with people that made me laugh, and that I also feel I can leverage to achieve my career goals.”

I went back to work with a new vigor. It helped me understand my worth and I am reevaluating my role at work and will soon be bettering my position to advance further in my career!

It has made me understand that I need to be my own advocate. I can’t sit back and expect that my career will go in the direction I want. I have to actively participate in my career to move forward.

It was honestly awesome to be in the room with so many other young people who have similar feelings regarding impostor syndrome, work life balance, and more. I feel calmer and more poised in my career and identity after experiencing so much solidarity at Gen Now.

I am personally inspired to work on defining what I want from my career, and to not let anyone else define that for me. I feel empowered and valuable as a professional.

I now feel empowered to only continue upward, but remember that on days with doubts I can be sure that I’m making a positive impact among my peers.

I feel refreshed. It’s helped me change my mind set on many things. I am ok with being uncomfortable. I feel empowered, energized, confident, and ready to take on the world in a different way.

It made me realize that I am capable of being a leader and planning my future on my own.

I have met amazing people, created a list of new resources, gained professional development books and expanded my network. I think beyond that, I’ll be using this network in limitless ways to be seen in the future.

…And There’s More!

Everyone needs the DLE! There are so many topics and speakers in one place that are all essential to managing real life and your career. The network of the DLE is like no other.

For anyone who is looking to recharge their career, this program can help you really set an actionable plan and surrounds you with people who help you achieve the best YOU that you can be.

This is a very practical, easy-to-digest but equally challenging program for young professionals. It’s a one-stop-shop for re-charge of actionable ideas and a place to rekindle old connections and build new ones.

The speakers were amazing and extremely informative.

The DLE is a great program for any young professional. Full of useful and practical advice in a supportive, energizing environment.

This program covered so many topics that are essential to succeeding not only at work but life in general. From networking tips to discussions about inclusion and finance skills, this program is excellent.

This program empowers and provides the resources for an individual to craft the career they desire.

The networking aspect alone is invaluable. I would recommend this program as a way to revitalize your career and to combat burnout.

The speakers were forthcoming, enthusiastic and made their topics easy to understand. I was able to walk away with high level takeaways that were simple and memorable.

DLE is an amazing opportunity to further your career by connecting with exceptional professionals who serve as speakers and peers who are driven to grow to the next level and who are passionate about giving back. The environment these fosters is beyond motivating and inspiring, as it truly provides you with a resource group that pushes you to dig deep within yourself to put your best foot forward in your career and in life.

The DLE helps you get focused on a goal and ponder different ways you can achieve it. Speakers are highly educated and enthusiastic about their topics. In addition, the event is well organized

This program not only taught me invaluable practical knowledge, but it reinvigorated me, helped me regain confidence in my abilities. It gave me tangible tools for making changes to my career.

I went back to work after a weekend of the DLE and started using what I learned.

All of the speakers provided interesting perspectives. I know I will be staying in touch with them.

This is a highly recommended program to anyone who wants to take their professional and financial future to the next level.

Due to the intimacy between students and DLE faculty, this trip excels at evincing talents and matching them with a person’s passions. The exclusivity of attendees make it possible for each of us to not only benefit individually from the weekend, but for us all to form bonds that will last long after we have left the Berkshires.

Kevin Claffey, DLE 2015

Words cannot express how grateful I am to have participated in DLE 2014. My goal going into this program was to step outside of my comfort zone and get comfortable speaking in front of people. With the help of the DLE faculty and staff, I truly feel I accomplished just that. Thank you so much for showing me what it means to SOAR. I will always remember the DLE.

Maryann Akinboyewa, DLE 2014

An experience like this makes you want to do the impossible; redefine the very meaning of the word until it reflects its real intention: to be an opportunity to thrive and a chance to soar. Linda Dulye believes this to her very core. The entire DLE family – alumni and faculty, believe it too. And after one weekend with all of them, so do I.

Christina Fieni, DLE 2014

Many of you are asking, what is the DLE? Well, before I answer this question, I would like to comment on some factors we share as upperclassmen. As juniors and seniors, one of the many things we are anxious about is life after graduation – what’s next? Is this what I really want to do for the rest of my life? Am I passionate about my potential career? This is exactly how the DLE influences your growth as an individual and a professional. This one weekend experience helps you to determine your next step in your career and post-graduate life. There is no other organization or community like this on campus. The DLE is a unique immersion program; you are guided to and come to terms with your true passions, strengths, and weaknesses. Once you find your niche, the DLE does an incredible job of assisting you to lay the groundwork and to prepare an intelligent game plan so that the stars are aligned and you can reach long-term success.

Stephann DuBois, DLE 2014

I feel so much more confident in my ability and in the way that I communicate my value to people who are considering taking me on as a part of their team or company. This weekend forced me to be really introspective and do some soul searching to figure out who I think I am and how to best convey that.

DLE 2013 Participant

I went into this weekend not knowing what to expect and left with a family. I feel blessed to have had this experience and hope to give back in any and all ways that I can. It was transformational in the knowledge, skills, community and environment.

DLE 2013 Participant

The DLE program not only puts life after graduation into perspective, but does so in a very welcoming and understanding atmosphere. Coming in with an under-developed resume, no Linked-In profile, and certainly minimal knowledge on what to put in a cover letter I was not only informed of the importance of each of these items, but given genuine advice on how to improve all three. The program also provided time for personal reflection and self-improvement. Regardless of where you would like your life to take you after you receive that diploma, the DLE is an excellent experience to better enhance your time at Syracuse University.

Stephanie Kranz, DLE 2012

The DLE taught me the importance of building a network of people that I can ask for guidance as I begin my career. The program also taught me the importance of giving back. I met an incredible group of faculty from a variety of professions, and peers from many different majors during the DLE weekend. I’m confident that I’ll rely on these individuals for connections and advice as I progress through my career. I walked away from the DLE inspired to build upon this network by developing mutually beneficial relationships in my career, extracurricular activities and day-to-day life.

Paul Stanley, DLE 2011

I cannot begin to thank Linda enough for her enthusiasm, generosity, and compassion for helping Syracuse students. I feel extremely fortunate to have been part of such a fantastic experience. Knowing that Linda and the other members of the DLE staff believe in us and are there for support gives me the needed confidence in myself I was lacking before the program.

Jenna Bieri, DLE 2010

I wanted something that was bigger than myself–something that would make waves of changes long after I was gone. Linda taught me this lesson best by her concept of giving back. The DLE weekend is so much bigger than herself. It encompasses so much more than just one person or what one person can pull off. And best of all, the ripple effects last a lifetime for some.

Liz Ferree, DLE 2009

Applying for my dream job was a monumentally daunting process, but I had the good fortune to be able to call upon the DLE network and all I learned during that weekend. I knew that getting the job I wanted would take gumption; it wouldn’t be enough to toss out a resume, sit back, and wait for things to happen, so I didn’t. It took a network, elbow grease, and hours puzzling over and revising seemingly minute things: sentences of my cover letter, bullets in my resume, etc. I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am for faculty member Sue Edelstein, who happily gave me oodles of her time to help me revolutionize my resume and rethink how I present myself.

Mary Gallagher, DLE 2008

Faculty

As a faculty member at the 2011 DLE, I was impressed by the caliber of students and their eagerness to learn about transitioning to the working world. It was great to get to know the students on a personal level, during the breaks and around the table during meals, and hear their individual goals and aspirations. It was so rewarding to share some of life lessons I learned in my career with the students, and for them to take that hard-earned wisdom to heart. I also learned a great deal from my fellow faculty members, who were all experts in their chosen field of endeavor.Joe Donahue, Owner at Donohue & Associates, P.C.

Joe Donahue, Owner at Donohue & Associates, P.C.

Just as the DLE has shaped me personally and professionally, the DLE faculty and peers have made an equally powerful and lasting impact on me, particularly Linda Dulye, founder of the DLE. Linda, in addition to her role as a successful business woman and dedicated Syracuse alumnae, is an incredible teacher. Whether she is delivering a commanding presentation or sending an informal email, Linda always offers valuable insight and advice – long after the DLE weekend ends.

Perhaps one of the greatest lessons of the DLE is the importance of your network and connections. In the days, weeks and year following DLE 2010, I maintained my relationships – with Linda, as well as with other DLE faculty and peers. Through these relationships, I’ve found wonderful mentors and friends, and even a job lead or two!

The DLE is a wonderful experience for students and faculty members alike. Students benefit from engaging interactions with the diverse group of faculty members. Additionally, faculty members pick up new ideas and ways of thinking from students during the action packed weekend. The overall vibe from the DLE promotes learning for everyone and creates experiences unattainable in the classroom. Not to mention, having the Berkshires as a background doesn’t hurt!

Greg Klotz, DLE 2009 / Consultant at Kepler Cannon

I’ve benefited greatly from the DLE as both a student and a faculty member. As a student of the inaugural DLE, I received inspiring career guidance and made valuable business contacts that directly led to my first job out of college – where I am still happily employed today. I would not be where I am today without the DLE, and now as a faculty member I’ve learned that sharing my experiences with a impressive group of engaged students is a great privilege. Even though I’m no longer a student, I keep learning from the amazing group of DLE faculty. The faculty features a wide range of professionals from different industries and at different points in their careers. The common theme among them is that they all have skills to share and truly enjoy giving back.

It’s clear that Linda Dulye assembles a great group of faculty and students for each DLE, but the beauty of the program is it’s personal and hands-on nature. This makes the DLE as fun as it is educational, and really creates a sense of community among participants. It truly is a special experience where skills are learned and relationships are forged. I look forward to partaking again and seeing the DLE family grow!

Nick Dwyer, DLE 2008 / MBA Candidate ’16 at University of Washington, Foster School of Business

The Dulye Leadership Experience is unlike any other program that I experienced during my time at SU. This powerful seminar gathers a diverse student body and a talented faculty who are truly good at what they do but who are even better at who they are. Students are exposed to a wide range of topics and perspectives that most of the faculty had to learn through their own trials and tribulations without the benefit of a practical learning seminar that teaches the basic skills and necessary insights of what to expect as we leave school and ready for the reality of the work place

Proust said, “we don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.” With the DLE you will be better prepared for that journey through the wisdom of individuals who have lifelong learning and giving back as their core principles.

Alex Regenstreich, DLE 2008 / Creator @iseefacestoo

When Linda Dulye first explained to me the concept of the DLE and asked me to be a member of the faculty for the 2010 session, my interest was piqued immediately. The opportunity to interact with current university students as well as recent graduates and other faculty members from such a wide variety of walks of life really excited me. The experience was even better than I expected. I learned an incredible amount from the other faculty members, and also from the students. My eyes were opened to so many different perspectives – generational, international, academic disciplines and career paths.

Let me share just one example of many. I remember, during the first year, listening to a recent graduate talk about his experiences in the workplace. He mentioned that he felt that the ‘older’ people in the office viewed him as inexperienced and not adding much value to the organization. He mentioned that they seemed to avoid him. As one of those ‘older’ people – albeit in a different organization – I think of the younger generation as being much more savvy than I am in areas such as social media and communications technology. It occurred to me that both he and I perceived the ‘other’ generation as being more experienced in certain areas. Talking through these two different perspectives, we both realized that we could learn from and benefit from these generational differences rather than allowing them to make us feel uncomfortable.

I view my life as a lifelong learning experience, and the Dulye Leadership Experience is definitely a huge addition to this experience. The opportunity to share what I have learned in life with others in the program – and to hear their reactions and questions – have helped me look at my own life differently. I have learned so much from all the participants in the program, and I feel very privileged to serve on the faculty.